NBA YoungBoy receives encouraging words from judge before sentencing in Utah fraud case

“Your talent and potential shouldn’t be robbed by addiction,” the judge told NBA YoungBoy, urging a brighter future.

Rapper NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, received a message of hope during his sentencing in a Utah court on Monday. 

The 25-year-old artist, known for hits like "38 Baby" and "Outside Today," pleaded guilty to his role in a prescription drug fraud ring operating out of his multimillion-dollar home in Logan, Utah.  

Gaulden faced a staggering 46 charges but reached a plea deal that reduced his felonies to misdemeanors, avoiding prison time in Utah. 

However, he will serve 27 months in federal prison for related charges stemming from a separate case in Weber County. Following his release, he will face five years of federal probation.  

During the hearing, District Judge Spencer Walsh spoke directly to the rapper about his potential. "I’ve seen so many times where you have young men and women who have a lot of talent and potential. They can be robbed of that potential when they start to really struggle with their addictions,” Walsh said. “I don’t want that for you.” He expressed hope for Gaulden's future, adding, “Best of luck to you, Mr. Gaulden.”  

The sentencing is part of a larger legal saga for Gaulden, who previously relocated to Utah under house arrest in 2021 to avoid trouble. 

Despite his legal challenges, NBA YoungBoy’s musical career remains stellar. With four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, his influence in the rap industry is undeniable.  

Fans of the Baton Rouge native, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, hope his future aligns with the judge’s optimistic outlook.  

 

 

 

 

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